Rock Island Today

Three bills sponsored by Representative Dan Swanson have been signed into law, following their passage in both the Illinois House and Senate this spring. Swanson, a Republican who was elected to the Illinois State House in 2023 representing the 71st District, announced that three other bills he sponsored are currently awaiting action from the Governor.

House Bill 1149 requires higher education institutions to develop policies for awarding academic credit to individuals who have completed firefighter training. This expands on existing state law that already provides such credit opportunities for EMT training.

Senate Bill 2351 introduces changes to how online auctions and estate changes are conducted within Illinois.

House Bill 1754 directs the Department of Public Health to provide educational material on its website about alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne condition known for causing severe allergic reactions. The department will also undertake an educational campaign on the signs and symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome, including guidance on testing procedures.

Swanson noted that his remaining three bills address issues related to veterans, first responders, and health care. He said the Governor has several weeks left to act on legislation passed during this session.

A recent report from the Equable Institute found that Illinois’ state pension system remains financially unstable and poses risks for retirees and taxpayers. According to the analysis, unfunded pension obligations now equal 19.02% of Illinois’ gross domestic product, up from 18.52% last year—making it the worst in the nation. The report warns that each year without reform increases budget strain and contributes to population decline due to high taxes.

Swanson commented on how growing pension shortfalls require larger contributions from taxpayers, crowding out funding for other services. Thirty years ago, annual payments into state pension systems totaled $614 million; this year they have reached $11.2 billion. He emphasized ongoing discussions about reform in Springfield but warned that continued delays will only worsen the burden.

Swanson also reminded residents about school bus safety as students return for a new school year: “If you are running late and you think it will be all right this time to go around the stop arm sign and flashing red lights: think again. It is never ‘all right’ to go around the warning device and put a child’s life at risk! Please keep an eye out for school buses on our roads, and please drive carefully when you see students headed back to school.”

The Illinois State Fair began yesterday with its twilight parade at the fairgrounds in Springfield and runs until next Sunday. The event features agricultural showcases from across Illinois as well as themed days recognizing veterans, first responders, park districts, senior citizens, among others.

“Whether it is FFA students showing animals or gardeners presenting their award-winning fruits and vegetables, the state fair is an agricultural showcase second to none,” Swanson said.

The fair includes various deals for visitors along with entertainment such as horse racing, auto racing, and concerts at the grandstand.

Other updates highlighted include Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month in August; a two-year sentence handed down by a judge against a lobbyist involved with Michael Madigan; rising cell phone taxes in Illinois; and tips for college students budgeting for back-to-school expenses.